Environmental Trust Fund Applications Now Being Accepted

Environmental Trust Fund Applications Now Being Accepted

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Environment and Local Government is now accepting applications for funding under the Environmental Trust Fund.

“The Environmental Trust Fund is a long-standing and successful program that encourages environmental initiatives that help build a better New Brunswick for today and for tomorrow,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Andrew Harvey.

“The local projects also generate jobs each year for many university students, as well as seasonal and full-time employees.”

The fund provides assistance to community groups, organizations, First Nations, municipalities and institutions for projects that produce tangible, measurable benefits to the environment.

Last year it provided more than $8.4 million to about 225 projects.

Money for the fund comes from about half of the environmental fees paid on redeemable beverage containers.

The 2019-20 priority action areas for the fund are:

protecting the environment

increasing environmental awareness

managing waste

addressing climate change

building sustainable communities

Submissions will be assessed based on their merit and how they address these areas.

Eligibility

Community groups, NB municipalities, First Nations, non-profit NB organizations, and institutions furthering sustainable development may apply to the Environmental Trust Fund. Your proposal must come under at least one of the six categories to be considered for funding.

Description

There are six categories of projects eligible for financial assistance: protection, restoration, sustainable development, conservation, education, and beautification.

Department staff will analyze applications to ensure they meet the program’s criteria. During this initial assessment, applicants may be contacted for further information or clarification.

The Environmental Trust Fund Advisory Board then reviews all applications and makes recommendations to the Minister.

Once projects are approved, the Minister will announce the ETF awards.

The Environmental Trust Fund reimburses actual costs up to, but not exceeding, the approved amount for eligible activities.

Only those activities agreed to by the Trust Fund are considered eligible activities.

The Letter of Offer sent to successful applicants explains reimbursement, time frames and other procedures.

It constitutes a contractual agreement between the successful proponent and the department.

Awards are for expenses incurred within the fiscal year (April 1 – March 31) in which they are announced.

Based on an evaluation of the work completed, the Fund reserves the right not to continue providing assistance to multi-year projects.

Note to all Environmental Trust Fund (ETF) Applicants: Please be advised that in future years, the Call for ETF Proposals will no longer be posted in newspapers.

Instead, please refer to the Department of Environment and Local Government’s website for information on the upcoming Call for Proposals and submission deadline.

Only online applications will be accepted. The application deadline is Nov. 30.